Tzibi: ‘Here, humility is the key.’

Aitziber Juaristi, ‘Tzibí’, has been the captain of Athletic EFT since Nerea Onaindia’s retirement. The defence from Gamiz-Fika, who at the end of the month turns 29, is confident of a triumph in the Mini Estadi, even though a simple draw is enough for the rojiblanco team to obtain their third consecutive Superliga title.

How did you get started playing football?
Like everyone else: playing with the boys at the school, later I went with Bizkerre, then to Sondika, because that meant playing with a better team; after that to Leioa and later Athletic Club. In addition, I have played for Biscay and the Euskadi National team.

What do you do besides playing for Athletic Club?
I have worked as a waitress; in a cleaning company… right now I am unemployed. It’s difficult to find a job because of my schedule; there are only a few places where they are willing to let you leave at 6.

Do you think that female football is sufficiently valued?
No. Well, it depends at what level. On a social level, we have been accepted very well and I think that we have demonstrated that we are not a one hit wonder. Few teams can boast about the fact that 10,000 people go to their matches to cheer them on. We can see that the general public supports us and that is something we find comforting because we have made a big effort to be here.

What has is it meant for you to compete with Athletic Club?
A dream come true, as for all the others. Something so great that everyone would like to experience. Years ago something like this was unthinkable, my mother and my friends used to tell me that I should have been born a boy to be able to play in Athletic (Laughter). And now, as you can see, I am a girl and play for Athletic.

Is it difficult being coached by your own brother?
Yes, more than anyone can imagine. Just imagine, your father is the managing director of a company and people say that you have been employed because of this. My brother has his role and we have a normal coach to player relationship. Although away from the field, we don’t really share a lot. At home it’s quite natural, Iñigo deals better with these situations, but for me it’s rather difficult. It seems easy, but more is expected of you.

What, in your opinion, is the secret of the Athletic Club success?
There isn’t one. Only that in the dressing room there is a group that share the same ideas, which is that everyone must work a lot. Just as in other teams the changing room may seem like a more revolutionized corral, but the key here is to be humble and to share the same ideas, even though these ideas may be erroneous, everyone should row in the same direction.

What you think of the arrival to Superliga of the Mexican Maribel Domínguez and the Brazilian Milene Domingues?
I do not know. Maribel Domínguez is playing well and must be a good player, but Milene, I don’t understand, to me she has not demonstrated anything on the pitch. All that fuss should be made about female football in general.

Do you think that this ‘boom’ caused by the Athletic female team will last a long time?
If everything is taken care of, as it should be, maintaining what we have and trying to improve, there shouldn’t be any problems. Everything that has happened to us has not been out of the blue. First Superliga we did not think we could win it, and for the second and third championships we were already the favourites and the teams closed ranks to avoid goals being scored against them. If we look after people so that they can become good players, in the end this effort will be rewarded. In cities like Burgos, players leave. But we are different here.

Who do you admire in female football?
I do not like the word ‘idol’; I only idolize my mother. But an important reference for me is Nerea Onaindia, not only in sports but socially, as a football player and as a person and what she represents.

Do you have any sport dreams left to fulfil?
I do not know, I think that I would like the 1st Division clubs to get more involved. But I am satisfied with what I have achieved. The important thing is that this should continue. When I retire, I would like to see football from home and verify that the level has improved.

This Sunday you can add your third Superliga title to your record. What are your impressions about this decisive match?
Well, we only need a draw but we are going to try to win, standing up to others which is what we are good at. I am convinced that we are going to win. Besides, we are going to play in a pretty field. I have a clear idea that I must take advantage of all that is left of my sporting career up until the last minute.